Audio-Technica, a renowned innovator in audio technology for over six decades, has again set a benchmark with the launch of its NARUKAMI series, a new pinnacle in analog sound reproduction. This ultra-high-end audio lineup includes the HPA-KG NARU Tube Headphone Amplifier and ATH-AWKG Closed-Back Dynamic Wooden Headphones, both of which represent the zenith of audio craftsmanship and quality.
Debuting in the United States at the CanJam NYC 2024 event, held at the Marriott Marquis in New York, these products are a testament to Audio-Technica’s continued commitment to impeccable sound and design, inspired by the elemental might of the Japanese god of thunder, NARUKAMI.
The HPA-KG NARU tube amplifier and preamplifier, retailing at $108,000, exudes elegance with its unique kurogaki wood panels, derived from rare Japanese black persimmon known for its wavy black patterns. The amplifier’s design is further enhanced by a metal mesh tube protector, reminiscent of Ayasugi tree patterns, and a top marker reflecting the tranquil aesthetics of a KARESANSUI or zen garden.
HPA-KG NARU Tube Headphone Amplifier
Engineered for perfection, the HPA-KG NARU combines beauty with advanced technology. It incorporates four revered Takatsuki 300B power tubes, enhanced with ECC83S gold-pin small-signal tubes, which are prized in the audiophile world for their unmatched quality. Employing a dual-mono configuration and a fully-balanced drive, the amplifier delivers a rich, layered soundscape.
Listeners can connect their headphones via balanced 4.4 mm or standard 1/4-inch jacks. An impedance selector switch is integrated to cater to various headphone types, ensuring optimal performance. Internally, premium-grade components, such as amorphous-core silver-wire Lundahl input and output transformers, ensure unparalleled audio clarity. Beyond its role as a headphone amplifier, the HPA-KG NARU also serves as a formidable preamplifier with balanced and single-ended inputs and outputs.
The development journey for the HPA-KG NARU was an intense, decade-long process, during which 11 prototypes were crafted to achieve a sound that genuinely resonates with the “human approach” to audio design, as shared by Koichi Irii, an R&D engineer involved in the creation of the amplifier.
With a price of $4,200, the ATH-AWKG headphones match the amplifier in both craftsmanship and performance. Handmade in Tokyo from the same exclusive kurogaki wood, these headphones offer not only a distinguished aesthetic but also contribute to the superb sound quality due to the wood’s acoustic properties. A finely applied lacquer finish underscores the material’s natural allure.
The ATH-AWKG boasts bespoke 53-mm drivers with a Permendur magnetic circuit and titanium flanges coupled with high-purity 6N-OFC oxygen-free voice coils, all designed to ensure impeccable sound transmission and movement. The exclusive Double Air Damping System (D.A.D.S.) guarantees a refined and true bass response.
Prioritizing comfort for extended listening sessions, the headphones come with an extra set of ZMF Universe Hybrid earpads, adding an alternative dimension to the auditory experience. For convenience, they include A2DC jacks and two detachable cables measuring 9.8 feet with balanced 4-pin and standard 1/4-inch connectors. The opulent ATH-AWKG is also packaged in a bespoke presentation box accented with kurogaki wood.
Audio-Technica has been dedicated to delivering exceptional audio experiences to everyone since its inception in 1962. With a product range that encompasses critically acclaimed headphones, turntables, and microphones, the company upholds the belief that high-quality audio should be widely accessible, and it continues to push the boundaries of audio innovation.
For those interested in the full gamut of Audio-Technica’s offerings, they can reach out for more information about this venerated brand and its products.
